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Abstract:

A liquid jet recording apparatus including a recording head configured to
record with droplets, a carriage supporting the recording head and
configured to scan a recording medium with the recording head in a
direction crossing a direction of conveyance of the recording medium, the
carriage being movable to a maintenance position, a holder provided in
one of the recording head and the carriage, a recording liquid cartridge
adapted to contain liquid for recording, the recording liquid cartridge
being attachable to and detachable from the holder, and a guiding unit
adapted to guide at least two different sides of the recording liquid
cartridge, with respect to the carriage that moves to the maintenance
position, to the inner wall surface in a vertical direction when the
carriage moves and stops the recording liquid cartridge at the
maintenance position where the recording liquid cartridge can be attached
to or detached from the holder.

Claims:

1. A liquid jet recording apparatus comprising:an upper face and an inner
wall surface opposing the upper face;a recording head configured to
record with droplets;a carriage supporting the recording head and
configured to scan a recording medium with the recording head in a
direction crossing a direction of conveyance of the recording medium, the
carriage being movable to a maintenance position;a holder provided in one
of the recording head and the carriage;a recording liquid cartridge
adapted to contain liquid for recording, the recording liquid cartridge
being attachable to and detachable from the holder; anda guiding unit
adapted to guide at least two different sides of the recording liquid
cartridge, with respect to the carriage that moves to the maintenance
position, to the inner wall surface in a vertical direction when the
carriage moves and stops the recording liquid cartridge at the
maintenance position where the recording liquid cartridge can be attached
to or detached from the holder.

2. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
guiding unit includes a plurality of different members.

3. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
guiding unit includes one continuous member that opposes a plurality of
the recording liquid cartridges.

4. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at a
timing when the carriage moves to the maintenance position, a cartridge
replacement mode of the recording apparatus is selected.

5. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at the
timing when the carriage moves to the maintenance position, an exterior
of the recording apparatus is opened.

6. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the
carriage starts moving when the exterior of the recording apparatus is
closed after the recording liquid cartridge is mounted.

7. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when
the carriage moves again after the carriage moves and stops at the
maintenance position and the recording liquid cartridge is mounted, a
moving speed of the carriage is lower than a scanning speed for
recording.

8. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a scanner unit configured to read an image.

9. A liquid jet recording apparatus comprising:a recording head configured
to record with droplets;a carriage supporting the recording head and
configured to scan a recording medium with the recording head in a
direction crossing a direction of conveyance of a recording medium, the
carriage including a holder, the carriage being movable to a maintenance
position where the recording liquid cartridge can be attached and
detached to and from the holder;a recording liquid cartridge adapted to
contain liquid for recording; anda guiding unit adapted to guide at least
two different sides of the carriage, with respect to the holder of the
carriage that stops at the maintenance position, to an inner wall surface
of the recording head or a cartridge fixing member opposing an upper face
of the holder in a vertical direction when the carriage moves and stops
the recording liquid cartridge at the maintenance position.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/561,772 filed Nov. 20, 2006, which claims priority from Japanese
Patent Application No. 2005-338515 filed Nov. 24, 2005, all of which are
hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]1. Field of the Invention

[0003]The present invention relates to a liquid jet recording apparatus
that forms an image on a recording medium by discharging a recording
liquid from a liquid jet recording head. More specifically, the present
invention relates to an image input and output apparatus that includes an
image reading unit that converts light from an original into an electric
signal and a liquid jet recording unit that discharges liquid droplets
onto the recording medium so as to record the image.

[0004]2. Description of the Related Art

[0005]A recording head that employs a recording method which is commonly
known as an ink jet recording method, includes a recording liquid storage
cartridge. The cartridge can be detachably attached to a holder 103, as
shown in FIG. 22. In an example as shown in FIG. 22, seven recording
liquid storage cartridges 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117 can be
installed into the holder 103. Each of the recording liquid storage
cartridges can be independently and separately attached and detached to
and from the holder 103. The holder 103 has a box-like shape whose one
face is opened. Each of the recording liquid storage cartridges can be
inserted through the opened side so as to be installed into the holder
103. Each cartridge has a recording liquid supply port 211 (FIG. 23A)
formed on a bottom of the holder 103. The recording liquid supply port
211 is engaged with a joint portion provided in abase of the holder 103.

[0006]FIGS. 23A through 23D illustrate steps of mounting the cartridge
111. In the mounting steps, first, as shown in FIG. 23A, the cartridge
111 is inserted into the holder 103. The insertion is performed while a
face of the cartridge 111 that includes the recording liquid supply port
211 is directed onto an upper face of the holder 103, and a face
including a protrusion 132 is directed downward. Then, the cartridge 111
is inserted along an inclined surface on a right side of the holder 103
as shown in FIG. 23B. Thus, the protrusion 132 is guided to a position
corresponding to a second slot 242 of the holder 103 of the cartridge
111. As shown in FIG. 23C, the cartridge 111 is pressed into the holder
103, so that a latch lever 130 is inwardly bent. Then, finally, as shown
in FIG. 23D, a hook 131 formed on the latch lever 130 engages into a
first slot 241 of the holder 103, and the protrusion 132 engages into the
second slot 242. Thus, the cartridge 111 is fixed into the holder 103.
When the cartridge 111 is installed to the holder 103, a recording liquid
contained in an absorption member 136 is guided into the recording head
via a joint 137 disposed in the recording liquid supply port 211.

[0007]In detaching the cartridge 111, the latch lever 130 is inwardly bent
again to disengage the hook 131 out of the first slot 241 of the holder
103. Thus, the cartridge 111 can be readily detached from the holder 103.

[0008]In the above configuration, the cartridge can be readily attached
and detached to and from the holder 103 from a top of the recording head.
A recording apparatus that includes a head has a maintenance cover for
opening an upper portion of the apparatus or upper and front portions of
the apparatus in order to perform an operation for attaching and
detaching the cartridge. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No.
2004-042498 discusses the recording apparatus of this type.

[0009]The head can be integrally formed to the holder 103 that is mounted
on the apparatus, as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,533. However, the
head can also be detachably attached to the apparatus itself. The
configuration in which the cartridge can be individually replaced, has an
advantage in that a running cost of the apparatus is relatively low.
However, a liquid storage unit can also be integrally mounted on a
recording head, and the recording head can be detachably attached to the
apparatus. Also in these cases, a configuration is known in which the
operation for detachably attaching the head can be performed from the top
of the apparatus.

[0010]When the operation for detachably attaching the head is repeatedly
performed, a possibility is high that a discharge port forming surface is
damaged by a collision with other portions of the apparatus. Accordingly,
the operation for detachably attaching the head is desirably performed
with an access from the top of the apparatus. In this configuration, the
operation can be performed while relatively easily avoiding the damage of
the discharge ports forming surface.

[0011]There is a printer that is equipped with an image input and output
function, which is called a multi-function printer (MFP). In the MFP
apparatus, an image recording mechanism (i.e., a liquid jet recording
unit) is disposed in a lower stage of the apparatus, and an image reading
mechanism is disposed in an upper stage of the apparatus as a scanner
unit.

[0012]In the MFP, in order to replace the cartridge and the head from the
top of the apparatus as described above, the scanner unit needs to be
retracted. In order to perform retraction, the scanner unit is swung
upward so as to open the scanner unit into a crocodile mouth shape, or
the scanner unit can be moved in a sliding manner. The latter
configuration has a disadvantage such that an amount of extrusion of the
scanner unit from the apparatus due to the sliding retraction is large
and that an extra space needs to be secured in installing the apparatus.
Accordingly, the apparatus has a complicated structure and the cost for
manufacturing becomes high. On the other hand, the former configuration
has an advantage such that the amount of extrusion of the scanner unit
from the apparatus at the time of retraction (i.e., swing movement) can
be reduced and that the apparatus can be manufactured at a lower cost
with a simple configuration.

[0013]With respect to the scanner unit of the MFP, a flat bed type scanner
is commonly used in which a transparent platen onto which the original is
placed, is provided in an upper portion of a scanner housing. The image
reading unit that can move in parallel to the platen, is provided inside
the housing. In the flat bed type scanner unit, a recording medium having
a specific dimension such as a recording paper can be horizontally placed
on the platen, and accordingly, a depth of the scanner unit becomes
large. On the other hand, with respect to the recording unit of the MFP,
a recording position at which the liquid droplet is discharged, namely,
the position where the head is disposed, is set in a back of the
apparatus. In this configuration, the recording medium with a recorded
image is ejected to the front of the apparatus by a reduced amount.

[0014]When the cartridge or the head is replaced, especially in the case
where the scanner unit is swung upward from the front so as to be
retracted, a user or a operator needs to perform the replacement by
inserting his fingers deep into the inside of the apparatus from the
front of the apparatus. Accordingly, especially when the operation is
performed under an common illumination of an ordinary room, the
illuminating light incident into the portion of operation is cut off by
the scanner unit positioned above the operator. Thus, the operator has to
perform the replacement operation in the dark around a hand. Accordingly,
the operability is not necessarily good. That is, there is a concern that
the cartridge and the head collide with the housing of the apparatus
during the replacement operation, resulting in damaging the head,
cartridge, and an inner component of the apparatus.

[0015]In order to improve the operability, a retraction angle (opening
angle) of the scanner unit can be set large (e.g., the scanner unit can
be swung at an angle of 90 degrees). However, when the swing angle of the
scanner unit is large, an acceleration at a time of closing the scanner
unit becomes high and accordingly, the scanner unit is likely to be swung
with too much force. Therefore, it is necessary that a safety measure for
suppressing the swing of the scanner unit moving with too much force is
sufficiently taken in designing the apparatus, which increases the cost
of manufacturing.

[0016]Not only in the MFP as described above, but in an ordinary recording
apparatus called a single-function printer (SFP), there is also a
disadvantage when the upper portion of the apparatus needs to be opened
for replacement of the cartridge and the head. There is an SFP in which
an upper face of an external cover serving as a ceiling is horizontal.
The horizontal face has an advantage such that a convenience of the user
is improved because a recording paper before printing and other materials
can be placed on the horizontal face. However, the SFP has a disadvantage
such that the materials placed on the apparatus needs to be temporarily
removed every time the upper portion of the apparatus is opened for the
replacement of the cartridge, resulting in extremely degrading the
operability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017]The present invention is directed to a liquid jet recording
apparatus with improved operability, convenience, and simplicity in
replacing a cartridge.

[0018]According to an aspect of the present invention, a liquid jet
recording apparatus includes an upper face and an inner wall surface
opposing the upper face, a recording head configured to record with
droplets, a carriage supporting the recording head and configured to scan
a recording medium with the recording head in a direction crossing a
direction of conveyance of the recording medium, the carriage being
movable to a maintenance position, a holder provided in one of the
recording head and the carriage, a recording liquid cartridge adapted to
contain liquid for recording, the recording liquid cartridge being
attachable to and detachable from the holder, and a guiding unit adapted
to guide at least two different sides of the recording liquid cartridge,
with respect to the carriage that moves to the maintenance position, to
the inner wall surface in a vertical direction when the carriage moves
and stops the recording liquid cartridge at the maintenance position
where the recording liquid cartridge can be attached to and detached from
the holder.

[0019]According to another aspect of the present invention, a liquid jet
recording apparatus includes a recording head configured to record with
droplets, a carriage supporting the recording head and configured to scan
a recording medium with the recording head in a direction crossing a
direction of conveyance of a recording medium, the carriage including a
holder, the carriage being movable to a maintenance position where the
recording liquid cartridge can be attached and detached to and from the
holder, a recording liquid cartridge adapted to contain liquid for
recording, and a guiding unit adapted to guide at least two different
sides of the carriage, with respect to the holder of the carriage that
stops at the maintenance position, to an inner wall surface of the
recording head or a cartridge fixing member opposing an upper face of the
holder in a vertical direction when the carriage moves and stops the
recording liquid cartridge at the maintenance position.

[0020]According to the present invention, a recording liquid storage
cartridge can be readily and appropriately attached and detached by an
access from the front of the apparatus. Accordingly, the operability in
replacing the recording liquid storage cartridge can be improved, and the
convenience and simplicity of the configuration which enables the
replacement of the cartridge, can also be improved.

[0021]Further features and aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments
with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute
a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the
invention.

[0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view that illustrates an MFP according to a
first embodiment of the present invention in which an access cover is
closed.

[0024]FIG. 2 is a perspective view that illustrates an MFP according to
the first embodiment of the present invention in which an access cover is
opened.

[0025]FIG. 3 is a front perspective view that illustrates the MFP
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which a
housing and an image reading unit is removed, seen in a slanting
direction.

[0026]FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view that illustrates the MFP according
to the first embodiment of the present invention in which the housing is
removed, seen in a slanting direction.

[0027]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view that illustrates the MFP
according to the first embodiment of the present invention in which the
housing is removed, seen in a slanting direction.

[0028]FIG. 6 is a perspective view that illustrates the MFP according to
the first embodiment of the present invention in which a carriage
mounting all recording liquid storing cartridges comes to a stop in a
cartridge replacement area.

[0029]FIG. 7 is a perspective view that illustrates a state where a
carriage is mounted with the cartridges that comes to a stop in the
cartridge replacement area according to the first embodiment of the
present invention.

[0030]FIG. 8A is a diagram that illustrates a state where the insertion of
the cartridges into the recording apparatus is started according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 8B is a diagram that illustrates a state where the cartridges
go along guiding boards according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.

[0032]FIG. 8C is a diagram that illustrates a state where the cartridges
are inserted in an inclined state according to the first embodiment of
the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 8D is a diagram that illustrates the fixation of the cartridge
in the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the
present invention.

[0034]FIG. 9 is a perspective view that illustrates a state where the
carriage comes to a stop in a head replacement area according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 10 is a perspective view that illustrates mounting of the head
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the carriage according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 12 is a cross section of a head fixing member according to the
first embodiment of the present invention when the head fixing member is
at a retracted position.

[0038]FIG. 13 is a cross section of a head fixing member according to the
first embodiment of the present invention when the head fixing member is
at a head holding position.

[0039]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an SFP according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.

[0040]FIG. 15 is a perspective view that illustrates the MFP according to
a second embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of
cartridges are mounted on the MFP.

[0041]FIG. 16 is a perspective view that illustrates an operation of
attaching and detaching the cartridge to and from the carriage according
to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 17 is a perspective view that illustrates a state where a
scanner housing is opened according to the second embodiment of the
present invention.

[0043]FIG. 18 is a perspective view that illustrates a state before the
head is mounted and fixed according to the second embodiment of the
present invention.

[0044]FIG. 19 is a perspective view that illustrates a state after the
head is mounted and fixed according to the second embodiment of the
present invention.

[0045]FIG. 20 is a perspective view that illustrates a head fixing member,
guiding members, and partitioning members according to a third embodiment
of the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 21 is a perspective view that illustrates a state where the
head fixing member is opened.

[0047]FIG. 22 is a perspective view that illustrates the carriage, the
head, and the cartridges according to a conventional example.

[0048]FIG. 23A is a cross section showing a state of the cartridge and the
carriage before the cartridge is mounted according to the conventional
example.

[0049]FIG. 23B is a cross section showing a state where the mounting of
the cartridge on the holder is started according to the conventional
example.

[0050]FIG. 23C is a cross section showing a state where the mounting of
the cartridge is being performed according to the conventional example.

[0051]FIG. 23D is a cross section showing a state where the mounting of
the cartridge is completed according to the conventional example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0052]Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described
in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the
relative arrangement of the components, the numerical expressions, and
numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of
the present invention unless it is specifically stated otherwise.

First Embodiment

[0053]FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views of an MFP 40 such as a
liquid jet recording apparatus according to this embodiment. The MFP 40
has a housing that includes a bottom cover 72 that covers a bottom face
of the apparatus, a main cover 71, and a scanner housing 75, stacked in
order starting from the bottom. At a position corresponding to the main
cover 71, a liquid jet recording unit A (see FIG. 3 and other concerned
drawing) as described below is disposed. At a position corresponding to
the scanner housing 75, a scanner unit B (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) as
described below is disposed.

[0054]On an upper face of the housing, a transparent platen (not shown) of
the scanner unit B is disposed. A platen cover 39 is mounted so as to
swing open and close, covering the transparent platen of the scanner unit
B. On a front face of the housing, a paper discharge cover 73 is mounted.
The paper discharge cover 73 is mounted so as to swing between a position
along the housing of the apparatus as apart of an outer surface of the
apparatus housing, and a position at which the paper discharge cover 73
is horizontally placed as shown in FIG. 2. Thus, the paper discharge
cover 73 swings around its lower edge. A recording medium having an image
recorded by the liquid jet recording unit A is placed onto the paper
discharge cover 73 which is horizontally positioned. In an inner portion
of the paper discharge cover 73, an access cover 74 that can be swung
opened and closed around the lower edge of the paper discharge cover 73,
is arranged.

[0055]FIGS. 3 through 5 are perspective views that respectively illustrate
an inner configuration of the MFP 40, in which the apparatus housing is
removed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view that illustrates only the liquid
jet recording unit A as the inner configuration. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are
perspective views that respectively illustrate an entire apparatus seen
from the back and the front side.

[0056]The MFP 40 includes the liquid jet recording unit A and the scanner
unit B. In addition, the MFP 40 includes a paper feed unit C that
separates the recording medium from stacked recording media and supplies
the separated recording medium to the recording unit A. The MFP also
includes an electrical device unit D including a power supply and a
control unit. In this embodiment, the scanner unit B is fixed above the
recording unit A. The MFP 40 can be connected to other devices such as a
computer and a receiver transmitter, as necessary. With these functional
units installed, the MFP 40 can function as a printer, a copying machine,
and a facsimile.

[0057]In this embodiment, a carriage 3 includes a carriage cover (holder)
52, which has a box-like shape and is opened upward (see FIG. 6 and other
relevant drawings). In an inner portion of the carriage cover 52, a
recording head 1 and a plurality of cartridges 2 can be detachably
attached. Each of the cartridges 2 can be replaced with a new cartridge
when recording liquid stored therein is completely consumed. The
recording head 1 is rarely replaced with a new head after being mounted
on the carriage 3. However, the recording head 1 can be replaced with a
new head when a defective condition appears in the recording head 1 or
when the recording head 1 becomes too aged. In order to install each of
the plural cartridges 2 having a thin rectangular solid shape, the
recording head 1 and the carriage cover 52 includes partitioning members
1b and 52c (see FIG. 8A and other drawings) that are disposed between
installation portions of the cartridges 2.

[0058]The carriage 3 is connected to an electric circuit of the electrical
device unit D via a flexible cable (not shown) in order to send a
recording command signal and to supply power to the recording head 1. The
recording head 1 is connected by pressure contact to a contact point
where the recording head 1 is connected to the flexible cable. The
recording head 1 is installed and fixed at a given position as described
below.

[0059]When a record waiting mode is selected or when a power switch of the
apparatus is turned off, the recording head 1 is conveyed above a
discharge recovery unit 65 by the carriage 3. A cap 66 of the discharge
recovery unit 65 comes in pressure contact with a discharge port forming
surface of the liquid jet recording head 1 and assumes a capping state
where the discharge port forming surface is sealed off. Thus, thickening
of a recording liquid solvent due to evaporation and entering of dust
into an inner portion of a discharge port can be prevented, so that a
poor discharge condition of the recording liquid can be suppressed.

[0060]The electrical device unit D includes a control board of the liquid
jet recording unit A, a control board of the scanner unit B, a system
control board for controlling the entire image input and output
apparatus, an operation control board, and a power supply board.

[0061]In a recording operation performed by the MFP 40 according to the
present invention, first, the recording medium stacked on a paper feed
tray 21 is fed by a paper feed roller 23 while a side of the recording
medium is guided by a slider 22. Next, the recording medium is nipped and
conveyed by a conveyance roller 24 and a wheel. When the recording medium
enters into an inner portion of the recording unit A, the carriage 3
performs reciprocating motion. Then, liquid droplets are discharged by
the recording head 1 so as to record the image of a given width equal to
a width of a discharge port array of the recording head 1. The conveyance
of the recording medium and the image recording operation are repeated to
record the image over the entire recording medium. When the recording of
the image on the recording medium is completed, the recording medium is
pinched and conveyed by a paper discharge roller 25 and a spur to be
discharged onto a paper discharge tray 8. The recording medium discharged
onto the paper discharge tray 8 can be taken out from a front side of the
apparatus that is opened by the paper discharge cover 73.

[0062]In the MFP 40 according to this embodiment, the access cover 74 is
opened when the recording head 1 or the cartridge 2 is replaced. The
access cover 74 is also opened in order to resolve a jamming of the
recording medium in a conveyance unit. As shown in FIG. 2, when the
access cover 74 is opened, the front portion of the housing is opened so
as to allow an access to the liquid jet recording unit A disposed inside
the housing. An area (maintenance positions) opened by the access cover
74 is set for a cartridge replacement (first maintenance position) F
which has a width equal to the width of the carriage, and a head
replacement (second maintenance position) G.

[0063]When the access cover 74 is opened, the recording apparatus
recognizes that a cartridge replacement mode is selected. The replacement
mode can also be selected in accordance with an input made by pressing a
switch and an operation of a printer driver. The replacement of the
recording head 1 and the cartridge 2 starts when the carriage 3 is in a
standby mode in which the carriage 3 stays above the recovery unit 65.
However, control can be performed so as to shift the mode to the
replacement mode at the time of opening the access cover 74 even when the
carriage is in a scanning state or in a scanning standby mode. The
selection of the replacement mode can be automatically selected by the
operation of opening and closing the access cover 74 as described above.
However, the selection of the replacement mode can also be selected in
accordance with an input made by pressing a switch and an operation of a
printer driver.

[0064]Next, the description is made as to a carriage replacement mode.

[0065]When the carriage replacement mode is selected, the carriage 3 is
moved to the cartridge replacement area F, as shown in FIG. 6. At this
time, in a normal state where the recording head 1 is in a capping state
while the access cover 74 is opened, the cap 66 of the discharge recovery
unit 65 is separated from the recording head 1 before the carriage 3 is
moved.

[0066]In the cartridge replacement area F, a plurality of partitioning
boards (partition unit) 11 and guiding boards (guiding unit) 12 (see FIG.
2) are disposed. The partitioning boards 11 and guiding boards 12 are
formed extruding from a lower face 75a (see FIG. 8A) of the scanner
housing 75. When the cartridge 2 is mounted at a given position, lower
edges of the partitioning board 11 and the guiding board 12 are
positioned at a given distance from an upper edge of the cartridge 2, as
shown in FIG. 6. Accordingly, the liquid storage cartridge 2 does not
contact with the partitioning boards 11 and the guiding boards 12 when
the carriage 3 is reciprocating.

[0067]The partitioning board 11 is disposed so that in the cartridge
replacement mode, when the carriage 3 stops at a given position, the
carriage 3 comes to a position opposing the partitioning members 1b and
52c of the recording head 1 and the carriage 3. The guiding boards 12 are
interposed between the partitioning boards 11. The guiding board 12
serves to guide the cartridge 2 while laying down a given trail when the
cartridge 2 is attached and detached to and from the recording head 1 and
the carriage 3.

[0068]By using the partitioning board 11 and the guiding board 12, the
cartridge 2 can be readily attached and detached to and from a front side
of the apparatus. FIG. 7, FIG. 8 A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, and FIG. 8D
respectively illustrate a method of mounting the cartridge 2.

[0069]The cartridge 2 has a joint portion 2e for supplying the stored
recording liquid to the recording head 1, on its bottom, as shown in FIG.
8A. In order to enable mounting and fixing the cartridge 2 at the given
position, a protrusion 2b is formed on a front side when the cartridge 2
is inserted for mounting. On a back side, a latch lever 2d that can be
elastically deformed is mounted. The recording head 1 has a positioning
slot 1a that is formed at a position corresponding to the protrusion 2b
of the cartridge 2.

[0070]When the cartridge 2 is mounted, first, the cartridge 2 is inserted
from the front of the apparatus between the lower face 75a of the scanner
housing 75 and an edge 52a of the carriage cover 52, with the joint
portion 2e in a face-down state. At this time, the cartridge 2 is
inserted between the specific partitioning boards 11 corresponding to the
mounting position. A leading end 2a of a top surface of the cartridge 2
abuts onto an inclined face 12a at a lower edge of the guiding board 12.
The cartridge 2 is inclined so that the surface having the protrusion 3b
faces down, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8B. Then, the leading end 2a of
the top face of the cartridge 2 is inserted along the inclined face 12a
of the guiding board 12, sliding on the inclined face 12a. Thus, the
cartridge 2 is inserted into the carriage cover 52. As the cartridge 2 is
inserted in this manner, the protrusion 2b of the cartridge 2 is guided
to the position corresponding to the positioning slot 1a of the recording
head 1.

[0071]After almost completely inserting the cartridge 2 in an inclined
state as shown in FIG. 8C, a trailing end 2c of the top face of the
cartridge 2 is pressed in downwardly. Then, the protrusion 2b of the
cartridge 2 engages into the positioning slot 1a of the recording head 1.
The latch lever 2d is inwardly bent and interfered by an inner wall face
of the carriage cover 52 so as to engage with an engaging portion 52b of
the carriage cover 52 (see FIG. 8D). The cartridge 2 is completely fixed
to the carriage cover 52. A joint portion 2e of the cartridge 2 engages
securely and appropriately with a recording liquid introducing portion of
the recording head 1. Thus, the recording liquid stored in the cartridge
2 can be supplied into the recording head 1 via the joint portion 2e.

[0072]In detaching the cartridge 2, the latch lever 2d is inwardly bent to
disengage a hook of the latch lever 2d from the engaging portion 52b of
the carriage cover 52, and then the cartridge 2 is lifted while drawing
out the cartridge 2 to the front of the apparatus. At this time, a top
face of the cartridge 2 contacts with the inclined face 12a of the
guiding board 12. The cartridge 2 is taken out sliding on the inclined
face 21a, while the leading end 2a of the top face is inclined downward.
The cartridge 2 is guided to follow the insertion trail in a reverse
direction, and thus the cartridge 2 can be readily taken out without
colliding with the carriage cover 52 or other components.

[0073]When the replacement operation of the cartridge 2 is completed and
the access cover 74 is closed, the carriage 3 is moved to a position
above a discharge recovery unit 45, so as to cap the recording head 1. If
the access cover 74 is closed in a state where the cartridge 2 is not set
at the given position, the cartridge 2 can collide with the partitioning
board 11 when the carriage 3 is moved after the access cover 74 is
closed. Accordingly, at a stage of starting the movement of the carriage
3 after the cartridge replacement mode ends, the carriage 3 is desirably
moved at a speed lower than a carriage speed in recording. With this
configuration, even when the cartridge 2 and the partitioning board 11
interfere with each other, a load on the cartridge 2 and the partitioning
board 11 can be reduced. Accordingly, a possibility that the cartridge 2
and the partitioning board 11 suffer a damage, is reduced.

[0074]The distance traveled by the carriage 3 is measured by a count type
moving distance measurement unit (not shown) such as a linear encoder and
a rotational encoder. When the interference between the cartridge 2 and
the partitioning board 11 occurs, the load of moving on the carriage 3
increases, and accordingly, a counting speed is lowered or the counting
up is not performed. By utilizing the count type moving distance
measurement unit, the occurrence of interference between the cartridge 2
and the partitioning board 11 can be immediately detected. When it is
determined that the interference between the cartridge 2 and the
partitioning board 11 occurs, the movement of the carriage 3 is
immediately suspended. By performing the control like this, the damage to
the cartridge 2 or the partitioning board 11 due to the interference
between the cartridge 2 and the partitioning board 11 can be prevented.
Further, by setting the moving speed to be low at the start of movement
of the carriage 3, the movement of the carriage 3 can be suspended before
the load due to the interference becomes too high. Thus, the damage to
the cartridge 2 or the partitioning board 11 can be effectively
suppressed.

[0075]In addition, a cartridge detection unit that electrically detects a
secured engagement of the cartridge 2 with the carriage cover 52, can be
provided. With the cartridge detection unit, the MFP 40 can detect a poor
setting of the cartridge 2 in a case where the cartridge replacement mode
ends when the cartridge 2 is not appropriately held.

[0076]When the poor setting of the cartridge 2 is detected, the MFP 40 can
be configured to stop the carriage 3 in the cartridge replacement area F
without allowing the carriage 3 to move. In addition, the MFP 40 can be
configured to request a reconfirmation of setting of the cartridge 2 to
an operator by displaying a message warning the poor setting of the
cartridge 2.

[0077]Next, the description is made as to a head replacement mode.

[0078]When the head replacement mode is selected via an input unit such as
a switch and a printer driver, and the access cover 74 is opened, the
carriage 3 is moved to the head replacement area G and stops there. In
this state, the recording head 1 can be replaced.

[0079]FIGS. 10 through 13 are diagrams that respectively illustrate a
method of fixing the recording head 1 to the carriage 3. As shown in FIG.
11, the carriage 3 includes a head fixing member 51 for pressing and
fixing the recording head 1 to the carriage 3. The head fixing member 51
is mounted swinging around a shaft 51b. The head fixing member 51 can be
abutted onto the recording head 1 by swinging the head fixing member 51
downward, and can be retracted from the top of the recording head 1 by
swinging the head fixing member 51 upward. On one end in a direction of
the shaft 51b of the head fixing member 51, a lever 51a is provided that
functions as an operation unit that allows the operator to apply a force
to swing the head fixing member 51. In the vicinity of both ends, in the
direction of the shaft 51b of the head fixing member 51, first and second
head pressing springs 53 and 54 are provided respectively. The head
pressing springs 53 and 54 move around the shaft 51b when the head fixing
member 51 is swung. The head pressing spring 53 and 54 generates a
pressing force by closely contacting and fixing the recording head 1 to
the carriage 3 when the head fixing member 51 is abutted onto the
recording head 1.

[0080]As shown in FIG. 10, in the vicinity of a lower end of both sides of
the recording head 1, a rough guide 1c is formed in a protruding manner.
As shown in FIG. 11, the carriage cover 52 includes a groove 52d that
corresponds to the rough guide 1c. The groove 52d extends downward in a
slanting direction toward the back portion of the apparatus.

[0081]In mounting the recording head 1, first, the lever 51a is swung to
retract the head fixing member 51 upward from a position at which the
head fixing member 51 abuts onto an upper end of the recording head 1, as
shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 10, the recording head 1 is inserted
from the lower face toward the carriage 3 while inclining the top end of
the head 1 to the front of the apparatus. Then, the rough guide 1c of the
recording head 1 is guided along the groove 52a of the carriage cover 52.
Thus, the recording head 1 can be readily inserted to a given fixing
position preventing the recording head 1 from colliding with the carriage
cover 52 or other components.

[0082]After the lower face of the recording head 1 is abutted onto the
given position, the operator swings the lever 51a to abut the head fixing
member 51 onto the upper end of the recording head 1. Thus, the recording
head 1 is closely contacted and fixed to the carriage 3.

[0083]In disengaging the recording head 1, the operator swings the lever
51a to release the pressing, and then detaches the recording head 1 by
drawing the top end of the recording head 1 to the front of the
apparatus. The rough guide of the recording head 1 is guided along the
groove 52a of the carriage cover 52, and accordingly, the recording head
1 can be readily detached while inclining the head to the front of the
apparatus.

[0084]When the operation for replacing the recording head 1 ends and the
access cover 74 is closed, the carriage 3 is moved to a given retraction
position and is stopped there. Since the cartridge 2 is not yet
installed, a message which urges the operator to install further the
recording liquid storage cartridge 2, can be displayed by a display unit.
When the operator opens the access cover 74 again, the apparatus
recognizes that the cartridge replacement mode is selected. Then, the
carriage 3 is moved to the cartridge replacement area F and stops there.
The apparatus is now in a standby mode waiting for the installation of
the cartridge 2.

[0085]When the cartridge 2 is installed, the cartridge 2 inhibits the
attachment and detachment of the recording head 1. Therefore, when the
head replacement mode is selected in a state where the cartridge is
installed, a warning message can be displayed to the operator. Further,
when the cartridge 2 is installed, a swing locking unit configured to
inhibit the swing of the lever 51a of the carriage 3 can be provided.
Thus, even when the replacement mode is selected in a state where the
cartridge 2 is installed, a failure can be prevented which occurs when
the operator attempts by mistake to release the recording head 1.

[0086]According to the first embodiment described above, by using the
partitioning board 11 and the guiding board 12 provided in the cartridge
replacement area F, the cartridge 2 can be readily replaced from the
front of the apparatus. Further, by separately providing the head
replacement area in addition to the cartridge replacement area F, the
replacement of the recording head 1 can be performed from the front of
the apparatus without being inhibited by the partitioning board 11 and
the guiding board 12. In addition, with the rough guide 1c of the
recording head 1 and the groove 52d of the carriage, the operation for
replacing the recording head 1 from the front of the apparatus can be
readily performed.

[0087]Accordingly, in this embodiment, in order to replace the recording
head 1 and the cartridge 2, it is not necessary to configure the upper
portion of the apparatus to be openable by retracting the scanner unit B.
Since the scanner unit B needs not be retracted, the operability can be
considerably improved.

[0088]In the exemplary embodiment, the MFP 40 is described. However, the
exemplary embodiment can also be applied to an SFP 41 as shown in FIG.
14. In the case of the SFP 41, the partitioning boards 11 and the guiding
boards 12 can be formed on a lower face (not shown) of a ceiling unit
outer cover 76. In the SFP, since the recording head 1 and the cartridge
2 can be replaced from the front of the apparatus, things and materials
can be placed on the upper face of the apparatus including the ceiling
unit outer cover 76, so that convenience of the apparatus can be
improved. That is, the things and materials placed on the ceiling unit
outer cover 76 need not be removed when the recording head 1 and the
cartridge 2 are replaced. In the example as shown in FIG. 14, the ceiling
unit outer cover 76 can be opened so that the conveyance unit is opened
when a jammed paper is removed. However, instead of that configuration,
the ceiling unit outer cover 76 can be a fixed one.

[0089]The configuration of this embodiment is especially effective when
the joint portion 2e is formed on the bottom of the cartridge 2.
Conventionally, in the apparatus of this type, the cartridge 2 can be
replaced from a top of the apparatus. Instead, in the apparatus to which
the configuration of this embodiment is applied, the replacement from the
front side of the apparatus can be performed. Accordingly, an
advantageous effect as described above can be obtained. The configuration
of this embodiment is also effective in the apparatus in which a joint
portion of a cartridge is disposed on a side or an upper face. By
applying the configuration of the exemplary embodiment to the apparatus
of this type, the operability in replacing the cartridge can be improved.

[0090]In the MFP 40 and the SFP 41, the direction in which the head
discharges the recording liquid, is set in the direction of the bottom of
the apparatus. However, the present embodiment can also be applied to the
apparatus in which the direction of discharging the recording liquid is
set toward the side of the apparatus or toward the upper face of the
apparatus.

Second Embodiment

[0091]Now, the MFP is described according to a second embodiment of the
present invention with reference to FIGS. 15 through 18. The components
that are the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted with the
same numerals and symbols, and thus the description of the same
components is omitted here.

[0092]In the second embodiment, the area that is opened by the access
cover 74 is set in the cartridge replacement area F. That is, in the
cartridge replacement area F, the partitioning boards 11 and the guiding
boards 12 (see FIG. 17 and FIG. 18) are formed on the lower face 75a of
the scanner housing 75 in a protruding manner.

[0093]The scanner unit B (the scanner housing 75) is mounted in a swinging
manner, as shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18. The scanner unit B can be opened
upward to expose the upper portion of the recording unit A to the
outside, by a hinge unit 75a provided in the back portion of the
apparatus. The partitioning boards 11 and the guiding boards 12 are
integrally formed on the lower face 75a of the scanner housing 75. When
the carriage cover 52 is swung and opened, the scanner unit B is
separated and retracted from the recording unit A. According to the
present embodiment, the liquid discharge recording head 1 can be replaced
in this manner.

[0094]In the second embodiment, when the access cover 74 is opened to the
front side of the apparatus in a normal state in which no paper jamming
occurs, the cartridge replacement mode is selected. When the cartridge
replacement mode is selected, the carriage 3 moves to the cartridge
replacement mode F. The carriage 3 stops at a position where the
partitioning boards 11, and the partitioning members 1b and 52c of the
recording head 1 and the carriage cover 52, oppose each other (see FIG.
15). The partitioning boards 11 are formed on the lower surface 75a of
the scanner housing 75 in a protruding manner

[0095]In this state, the engagement of the latch lever 2d of the cartridge
2 that is to be replaced, is released. Then the recording liquid storage
cartridge 2 is lifted upward so as to be detached from the front of the
apparatus. The cartridge 2 can be easily detached from the carriage cover
52 being guided by the guiding board 12. After that, a new cartridge 2 is
inserted from an insertion slot in the front portion of the apparatus.
The insertion slot is surrounded and defined by the partitioning boards
11, the lower face 75a of the scanner housing 75, and the end of the
carriage cover 52. The cartridge 2 is guided to a given fixing position
by the guiding board 12 (see FIG. 16) so as to be engaged in position.

[0096]Then, the scanner housing 75 swings upward to open the housing. At
the same time, the access cover 74 is swung to the front to open the
apparatus, and the head replacement mode is selected. In a case of
dismounting the recording head 1, the cartridge 2 needs to be previously
dismounted. In the configuration of this embodiment, when the upper
portion of the apparatus is opened, the partitioning boards 11 and the
guiding board 12 are also separated from the cartridge replacement area
F. However, in this state, the cartridge 2 can be dismounted just as in
the case of the conventional technique (see FIG. 23).

[0097]In either case, the recording head 1 is replaced in a state where
all the cartridges 2 are dismounted, as shown in FIG. 17. After the lever
51a is swung upward to release the pressed state of the recording head 1,
the recording head 1 can be easily detached from the front of the
apparatus or upward by inclining the top end of the recording head 1 to
the front of the apparatus.

[0098]In inserting the recording head 1, the operator swings the lever 51a
of the carriage 3 so as to previously retract the head fixing member 51.
The recording head 1 is inserted into the carriage 3 from the front of
the apparatus or from the top of the apparatus, with the lower face of
the head 1 at the head, in a state where the upper end of the recording
head 1 is inclined to the front of the apparatus. The rough guide 1c of
the recording head 1 is guided by the groove 52a of the carriage cover
52, and abuts to a given position. Finally, the lever 51a is swung
downward, and the recording head 1 is held in the carriage 3 in a pressed
state.

[0099]After the recording head 1 is mounted, when the scanner housing 75
is closed in a state where the access cover 74 is opened, the
partitioning boards 11 and the guiding boards 12 enter the cartridge
replacement area F again. Thus, the cartridge 2 can be mounted from the
front of the apparatus. The cartridge 2 can also be mounted from the top
of the apparatus while the scanner housing 75 is kept open.

[0100]With the above configuration, the cartridge 2, which is frequently
replaced, can be replaced from the front of the apparatus. A space and
area for swinging and opening the scanner housing 75 does not need to be
secured in installing the MFP 40. Once the recording head 1 is mounted on
the carriage, the recording head 1 rarely needs to be replaced thereafter
unless a failure of the device occurs. The scanner housing 75, whose
weight increases as the scanner unit B is installed therein, is rarely
swung again, and the operability of the apparatus is considerably
improved.

[0101]The access for attaching and detaching the cartridge 2 is not
limited to that from the front of the apparatus. The access from the top
of the apparatus can also be obtained by swinging the scanner housing 75,
as the circumstances demand.

[0102]The scanner unit of the MFP 40 can be opened and closed in the
manner as described above according to the second embodiment of the
present invention. The above configuration can also be applied to the SFP
41, as shown in FIG. 19. In this case, the partitioning boards 11 and the
guiding boards 12 are integrally formed on the lower face of the ceiling
unit outer cover 76. The outer cover 76 can be opened and closed swinging
around the edge of the apparatus at the back of the apparatus. In this
configuration, when the recording head 1 is attached and detached, the
ceiling unit outer cover 76 is opened by swinging, and the access is
obtained from the top of the apparatus. On the other hand, when the
cartridge is attached and detached, the paper discharge cover 73 is
opened by swinging, and the access can be obtained from the front of the
apparatus. Thus, owing to the effect of the partitioning boards 11 and
the guiding boards 12, the operation for replacement can be readily
performed from the front of the apparatus. With this configuration,
materials and things can be placed on the horizontal upper surface of SEP
41 so that the convenience of the apparatus is improved. In addition, the
things and materials placed on the SFP 41 need not be displaced when the
cartridge 2 is replaced.

Third Embodiment

[0103]Now, a third embodiment of the present invention is described with
reference to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21. FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are external
perspective views of the SFP 41 according to the third embodiment. In
FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the components that are the same as those in the
first embodiment and the second embodiment are denoted by the same
numerals and symbols, and thus the description of the same components is
omitted here.

[0104]In the SFP 41 of the third embodiment, a plurality of the
partitioning boards 11 and the guiding boards 12 are arranged in a
direction of the shaft 51b of the head fixing member 51 that is provided
in the carriage or a holder. The partitioning boards 11 and the guiding
boards 12 are integrally formed protruding downward from a top board 61.
The partitioning boards 11 and the guiding boards 12, when the recording
head 1 is pressed to be held by the head fixing member 51, are disposed
where the cartridge 2 can be guided in attaching and detaching to and
from the front of the apparatus. The partitioning boards 11 are
positioned above the partitioning members 1b and 52c of the recording
head 1 and the carriage cover 52 opposing the partitioning members 1b and
52c. The partitioning board 11 and the guiding board 12 can be separated
from the cartridge 2 and the recording head 1 by swinging the head fixing
member 51 upward from the position at which the recording head 1 is
pressed (that is, to a retraction position). In this state, the recording
head 1 can be easily replaced without receiving inhibition from the
partitioning boards 11 and the guiding boards 12.

[0105]In the SFP 41 according to the third embodiment, when the access
cover 74 is opened to the front of the apparatus in a normal state in
which no paper jamming occurs, the cartridge replacement mode is
selected. When the cartridge replacement mode is selected, the carriage 3
moves to the cartridge replacement mode F, whose front portion is exposed
to the outside by opening the access cover 74, and stops there (see FIG.
20).

[0106]In this state, the engagement of the latch lever 2d of the cartridge
2 that is to be replaced, is released, and then the cartridge 2 is lifted
upward to be taken out to the front of the apparatus. The cartridge 2 can
be easily taken out of the carriage cover 52 being guided by the guiding
board 12. In mounting a new cartridge 2, the cartridge 2 is inserted from
an insertion slot in the front portion of the apparatus. The insertion
slot is surrounded and defined by the partitioning boards 11, a top board
61, and the end 52a of the carriage cover 52. The cartridge 2 is guided
to a given fixing position by the guiding board 12 to be engaged in
position.

[0107]On the other hand, when the ceiling unit outer cover 76 is swung
upward to be opened and the access cover 74 is swung to the front to be
opened, the head replacement mode is selected.

[0108]In dismounting the recording head 1, the cartridge 2 needs to be
previously dismounted. In dismounting the cartridge 2, the operation for
dismounting can be performed from the front of the apparatus in the same
manner as the cartridge replacement mode in the state where the recording
head 1 is pressed as it is. Or otherwise, the cartridge 2 can be
dismounted from the top of the apparatus by swinging and retracting the
head fixing member 51.

[0109]In either case, the replacement of the recording head 1 is started
when the head fixing member 51 is swung upward and retracted by swinging
the lever 61a of the carriage 3. As shown in FIG. 21, the recording head
1 can be easily taken out of the apparatus to the front or top of the
apparatus by inclining the top end of the recording head 1 to the front
of the apparatus. In installing the recording head 1, the recording head
1 is inserted into the carriage 3 from the front or top of the apparatus
while the top end of the recording head 1 is inclined to the front of the
apparatus with the lower face of the recording head 1 at the head. The
rough guide 1c of the recording head 1 is guided by the groove 52a of the
carriage cover 52, and thus the recording head 1 abuts to a given
position. Finally, the lever 51a is swung, and the recording head 1 is
pressed to be held in the carriage 3. Since the partitioning boards 11
and the guiding board 12 are entered into a portion above the recording
head 1, the cartridge 2 can be easily replaced from the top of the
apparatus.

[0110]With the above configuration, the access for replacing the cartridge
2, which is frequently replaced, can be obtained from the front of the
apparatus, and the access from the top of the apparatus is necessary only
in replacing the recording head 1, which is rarely replaced. Since the
things and materials placed on the SFP 41 need not be displaced in
replacing the cartridge 2, the convenience of the apparatus can be
improved.

[0111]The configuration of the SFP according to the third embodiment of
the present invention is as described above. However, this embodiment can
also be applied to the MFP. In this case, the scanner unit is of a
open/close type. When the recording head 1 is replaced, the scanner unit
is opened and a head fixing member of the carriage is swung and
retracted. In the configuration of this type, the frequency of opening
and closing the scanner unit is considerably reduced, and accordingly,
the operability of the apparatus can be highly improved. In addition, the
space necessary for swinging the scanner housing needs not be secured in
installing the MFP.

[0112]While the present invention has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not
limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the
following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all modifications, equivalent structures, and functions.

Patent applications by Yukuo Yamaguchi, Ohta-Ku JP

Patent applications by CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Patent applications in class With means to scan fluid ejector relative to the receiving medium

Patent applications in all subclasses With means to scan fluid ejector relative to the receiving medium